Lately we’ve been hearing about Atelvia advertised on TV commercials. It supposed to be “better” because it has a special coating, which eliminates the fasting requirements applicable to the earlier drugs. However, Atelvia has all the side effects of the other bisphonate drugs. What side effects? Just read this review of Atelvia by Vivian Goldschmidt, M.A., of SaveOurBones.com by clicking on this link: http://saveourbones.com/atelvia-review/.

On the other hand, deciding to re-build bones naturally through an alkaline diet, weight-bearing exercise, daily sunshine, and restorative sleep has only one side effect: improved health!

40 Comments on Review of Atelvia: Yet Another Bisphosphonate Drug with Horrendous Side Effects!

Maria, from what I have read, all of the pharmaceutical drugs you listed can have terrible side effects! What a take are supplements that include the minerals that make up bone and that help such minerals to be absorbed. My favorite is Garden of Life’s “Grow Bone” supplements, which are available at my local health store and online from Amazon.com.

My Dr.prescribed Atelvia last summer due to my severe osteoporosis. My mood changed dramatically I felt amotivated an depressed. I stopped taking the medication 2 months ago and now the sun is shinning again. However, I want to know what is a good treatment besides;foxamas. boniva, and actonel ( I have taken all of them)

After reading comments on atelvia I would never take the pills. My doctor recommended atelvia…She also recommended prolia It was like hell running over…Missed a week of work from the pain…Please girls do your reserch so you do not have to suffer. Doctors are not always correct and get many samples to dispense…

Hi, Ray. I am not a doctor, but from what I have read, the bone that is formed when taking these drugs is actually formed by not allowing the body to slough off old bone cells that should be being replaced. In other words, the natural replacement of old bone with new is being disrupted, so that poor-quality bone is formed. Perhaps you could ask your doctor about this to get his take on it. Do you take any supplements to improve your body’s mineral content, which is so necessary for building bone? Here’s an article about one such supplement:

I am a male diagnosed with osteoporosis two years ago. The diagnose followed two vertebra fractures. I was on Forteo for the two years. My bone density increased favorably. Since two years is the maximum recommended use of Forteo, my doctor subscribed Atelvia. After reading all the above reports, I don’t think that I want to go through the same thing. I am not a woman after menopause. I didn’t see any reports from men using Atelvia.

I started Atelvia two days ago, About 24 hrs after I took it I started having pain in my chest, The pain worsened as the day went on and extended into my back, The pain became so severe that I saw my family doctor today thinking I was having heart issues, They did bloodwork and ran an EKG which were normal. I told them about the Atelvia and they dismissed it without even considering that it was the problem, They referred me for a chest xray and gave me pain meds, After doing my own research I feel fairly confident that the Atelvia is the problem, I am 50 years old and have never experienced pain like this outside of childbirth!

Janet, I haven’t heard of Atelvia specifically causing synovitis of the wrist, but the FDA Medication Guide on Atelvia lists a myriad of dangerous side effects of the drug, including “low calcium in the blood” (hypocalcemia) and “bone, joint, or muscle pain.” It seems strange to me that the FDA approves these harmful drugs, when they KNOW the drug causes such damage! Here’s the link to the FDA’s Medication Guide on Atelvia: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/D.....241450.pdf

Ellie, I am so sorry that you are experiencing such incredible pain and discomfort. You do not say what country or state you live in, but perhaps there are naturopathic doctors in your area who could help you. Why were you put on Fosamax back in the 90’s?

Today I had to do research for side effects on Atelvia. Let’s start from the beginning years ago in the 90’s I was taking fosamax then fosamax+D for years. I stopped because of savere GERD and stomack ulcer. Then I fell, and slowly the pain in my groin and hip was increasing so bad that I had to have hip surgery after 7 years of bad pains. I was so happy not to feel that stabbing groin pain but my entire leg was so sore. The surgeon told me during sugery as the were cutting the bone it was brittle and I had 3 cycsts in the joint. I think it was all those steroid injections that never worked. 6 months after the surgery I still can’t walk, I have pain and a horrible crippleing limp. I think the rod is to long and made my leg longer, that’s my oppinion. I had an ex-ray 6 months after the surgery and the dr said my bone had drammaticaly decreased and to get the bone density test done. I have osteoporosis in my hips and spine, like -3.7. The dr put me on atelvia. 1st week I was in pain from my neck to my upper chest and had a low grade fever of 100. I thought it was the flu. I was sick this entire month. The 5th pill all the savere flu like symptoms are back but this time I could not walks my lower back and both my legs are sore and my neck again and let’s not mention how bad my stomack cramps are! I called the dr and I’m still waiting on a reply what to do. Also I am on a diet because my colesterol is very high but I have been eating all fat free dairy product to have calcium.today I am still walking as if I had polio, a bad limp,my hip is not even to what I feel and the pain in my leg is still there. How long is this going to last? When will I get better? Sometimes I think it was better to be in savere groin/hip pain then after the surgery feeling and being like this. Its been 10 months since my surgery and I am 47 years old.

Kathy, my heart goes out to you! You’re right, you shouldn’t have to live like that anymore. There are other therapies you try. First, you could switch to an alkaline diet, so that the minerals you consume can be used to build bone, rather than being used to neutralize acid in the blood. I have also read about a spinal decompression device called “The DRX9000″ that is said to give effective treatment for low back pain associated with herniated discs, bulging discs, and degenerative disc disease. We have a chiropractor in our area who has one. His website is: http://www.drgordononline.net/index.htm. If you click on “Brochure” on the left, you can see what the DRX9000 looks like. You didn’t say where you live, but perhaps a doctor in your area might have one. Don’t give up, Kathy. I’m praying for you right now, and I will continue to pray for you. When you are up to it, let me know how you are doing.

I feel horrible . Started talking atelvia about a month ago I have severe osteo, osteopenia, degenative disk disease 3 bulging discs and lots of pain. Now worse from the atelvia my hip. Pain is the worse dbl vision headaches u name it .. I’m done talking everything I can’t live like this anymore

Hello, Annonymus. I cannot give medical advice on this website, since I am not a doctor, but if you clicked on the link to Vivian Goldschmidt’s article, you know the dangers involved in taking Atelvia or any other bisphosphonate drug. Especially since you are so young, why not try the healing your bones naturally? It may take some adjustment, but it’s definitely work the effort:

Hi, I am 23 years old and I was recently diagnosed with Osteoporosis :'(. Doctor prescribed me Atelvia too. The first time I took it, I felt horrible: Diarrhea, constipation, stomach discomfort, major headache, back pain, joint pain and muscle pain all over my body I could not even move. I went to the doctor to complain about the symptoms but all they said was to take it one more time and if I felt the symptoms again to stop taking them until I see the specialist (which my appointment is until September!) So I took it on the second week, I did not feel as bad as the first time but I did get flatuance. I just don’t know if I should continue taking them after all I’ve read about this drug. Especially if it will only make my bones more brittle, I am so scared I may brake! I feel so weak at times.

I took Actonel for several years and am now taking Atelvia. I had no side effects whatsoever from either medication. I think this medication is fine. Anyone considering taking this and reading the reviews needs to understand that certain individuals will have reactions such as those described in past reviews and those are the people that normally take the time to write reviews to alert others of problems. There are many of us who have no negative side effects at all and are happy with the medication.

While I’m glad to hear that you are not suffering pain as a side effect of Atelvia, or previously Actonel, I wonder what exactly is happening to your bones. Bisphosphonates work by interrupting the natural cycle of bone growth, allowing old bone cells to remain, instead of being removed. Strange types of bone fractures are resulting in patients who have used such drugs for long periods of time. Linda, please check out this article, “Bisphosphonate drug treatment for osteoporosis causes MORE bone fractures, not less,” from NaturalNews.com: http://www.naturalnews.com/036.....tures.html

Karen, I’m praying right now that the effects of this drug will pass away and that you will find hope and healing through natural means. The body wants to heal. We just have to give it what it needs to do it. Please write me back if you have questions. Thank you for sharing your story with others, so they will know what this drug does before they decide whether or not to take it.

My doc prescribed Atelvia. Am on the 3rd dose today and will never take it again. After taking the first dose, the following day I had extreme diarrhrea, muscle aches, fever, and felt like an 80 year old woman (am 54). Called the doctor and was told to take a tyleno but continue Ateliva. After 2nd dose, I had stomach ache, headache, and nausea, and still inflamed feeling of joints. Thought this would go away with time, but still have extreme joint aches and nausea with this 3rd does. This medicine is awful!

I am a 59 yr old woman and am at high risk for osteoperosis because i have to take steroids. The dr. gave me Atelvia, and after 2 weeks, I had cramps in my leg, and then severe hip pain. sometimes the pain is in my shin bone, or muscles in my leg or back and hip. somedays are better than others unless I walk alot. Like around the store??!!
I have been unable to walk without limping and the pain is still severe a month after I stopped taking it.
My sister got the once a yr IV form and was in bed with flu like symptoms for 3 months and had to get physical therapy. I am wondering if my pain is permanent or if it will go away, because if it doesn’t go away I will be crippled for the rest of my life.

I am trying not to think that far ahead but would like some confirmation that this will go away. Carol

Carol, I’m so sorry to hear about the side effects you have experienced from Atelvia. I wish I knew whether your pain is permanent, but I do know that the body wants very much to heal and will try its best when given the natural, alkalizing foods it needs. Why not try the OsteoDiet to see if it will make the difference you would like to experience? 80% alkaline / 20% acid foods + daily sunlight + weight bearing exercise + adequate sleep and relaxation can make a life-changing improvement!

I am 27 years old and was diagnosed with osteoporosis with levels in my hip and lower back already at -2.9. My levels of vitamins and minerals, including calcium and vitamin d were all normal levels in my blood. I started taking fosamex and had horrible flu like symptoms. I could barely get out of bed and I got an ulcer. Now I’m on nexium and Zantac to help with that. I started taking Atelvia, which has been better with flu like symptoms but I still am having chest pain and horrible heartburn and stomach pain. I now am on nexium everyday and my doctor suggetstef taking IV boniva every 3 months, to help with my stomach problems. Has anyone tried the IV drugs? I don’t know if the natural approach will work for me since my levels of calcium and vit d were fine and I’m so young. I am going to try to give it a shot though. These meds are like poison!

Hello, Allison. Not only are these meds like poison, they ARE poison! Bisphosphonate drugs have the effect of gradually turning your bones to cement. They do not renew your bones; instead, they keep dead cells from being removed from the bone, thereby making bone less healthy and MORE brittle! If you check out the side effects of these drugs and the lawsuits being filed against them, you will know. But I think you know already. You feel it; you know it. There is a better way to re-build your bone density–the natural way. My bone density was worse than yours when I started on the OsteoDiet regimen: 80% alkaline/20% acid diet, daily sunlight, weight bearing exercise, stress reduction, and adequate sleep. You can do it! Please look through my website for more information, and feel free to write me back, if you have questions.

Marilyn, I had much worse bone density than you when I was diagnosed with osteoporosis. The natural approach worked for me, including the 80% alkaline/20% acid diet, weight-bearing exercise, daily sunlight, and stress reduction. Dr. Susan Brown of BetterBones.com just posted three short, concise videos on incorporating the alkaline diet into your lifestyle. (Click on http://www.betterbones.com/blo.....-diet.aspx? to view the videos.) There is more information on my website at http://OsteoDiet.com to help you on your way. The only side effect of the natural approach to building stronger bones is improved overall health! If you’re game to try, I’m here to support you.

my doctor tells me to take Atelvia, and tried to argue and go the natural approach. 54 years -2.9 were my results from bone density, I guess this is really bad… the doc kept saying if you were in your 80s I would not be so concerned. What do I do, I was trying to go natural, apparently my bones are far gone at 54. Do you think going natual at 54 with -2.9 bone density, I have ostroperious (spelling?) already, not the early stage (pina – spelling??)!

I have tried 3 osteo drugs..Boniva was awful. The pain in my legs was something I have never experienced before. I thought just walking that my legs were going to break. Tried to tough it out for awhile, and then just stopped taking it. Something that’s suppose to help me shouldn’t hurt this much. Recently ( I have taken 3 doses of Altevia). I have experienced tremendous side effects, diaahrea,swollen face,swollen esophagus, swollen glands,trouble swallowing,extreme pain in my bones, muscle pain. Called my Dr. He said stop taking it immediately. It will take 7-10 days to get out of my system. I am done with all of this. I am going to go to a nutritionist and try to do this naturally. My face is so swollen from my forehead right thru my neck. I wish anyone good luck with these meds. I can only believe that they must help some people or they wouldn’t be on the market. My right eye is swollen, oozy and painful to the touch. I am going to my eye doctor today, called him told him the situation, said need to see you today, you probably need to be on prednisone. Another pill to correct what this pill has done to me. Does this sound worth it? I think not.

Hi, Barbara. Atelvia is not a natural substance, and side effects such as you describe are quite common. Have you considered taking the natural route to health and strong bones? You are welcome to look through this website, especially the Foundations category, to get an idea of what would be required of you in rebuilding your bones naturally. Also, I highly recommend exploring http://www.BetterBones.com and http://SaveOurBones.com.

I have taken Atelvia 5 times with some stomach cramps, but nothing I could not stand. The 6th time I took it I had severe stomach cramps and my stomach was extremely sore. I have been taking it every other week, my doctor said it was okay as I had taken Actonel in the past and experienced severe stomach problems with that medication. Now I don’t know what to do. I have severe osteoporosis in my spine and some in the hip area. I am really at a loss now. I will not try the medication that is injected, I don’t know what the results would be with that, at least one can stop the pill.

I started taking Altevia about three weeks ago. I decided to take it on a Friday so if I had any side effects I could still go to work on Monday. The first time I had diarrhea for one day. The next week I had such back pain that even my yoga instructor told me not to do the exercises which usually help my back pain. This past week I took it again and I could not move on Saturday (christmas eve) I had severe pain in my neck, back, legs, feet, hands and I was shivering as if I had a flu. I had to lay in bed until my boyfiend came over to sit me up and give me juice and put something in my stomach. I paged the doctor because I really thought I was just going to pass out! the doctor advised me to stop taking the meds. I have osteoporosis, am 52 years old but I am not about to feel like this every time I take this pill. There has to be a alternative to pumping pills in our body.

My question is – if we do not take the above medicine what do we do to keep our bones strong even though we are in the bone devastation years of our lives. I know exercise is good but there are times that we just do not have the time. What do you suggest that I do?

I’m so sorry to hear that you are experiencing such horrible side effects! I cannot give you medical advice because I am not a doctor, but if I were in your situation, I would stop taking the drug immediately! You can re-build bone naturally. Take a look through this website and see. If you have questions about what you read here, please write me back.

OMG… I can not believe the pain I am in…. I first took Atelvia two weeks ago and it was okay…. Severe stomach cramps that lasted all of a 30 seconds but now that I have taken the pill for the second time I am in severe pain. I can barely walk… I’ve been looking for feedback from other people that’s taking the pill but I can’t seem to find any. I wanted to make sure the pain I’m going through is the pill. My second time taking it was Sunday and when Monday came I woke up with neck, shoulder, leg, hand, foot, hip/groin area pain and very very severe chest pain. I though my heart was going to pop out. I understand all medicines are going to have some type of side effect but I cannot to continue to go through this type of pain every time I take the pill. This is horrible. I’m only 29 yes that’s correct 29 and I’ve been diagnosed with osteopenia and I’m trying really hard to prevent osteporosis and such a very young age. I don’t think I can do all this medication they are trying to put me on. I think I will just take your advice and continue with my vitamins do some excercise and get some sun light. I can barely walk. It feels like my bones are braekaing although the medicine is suppose to prevent fractures. What’s your advice?